We are so proud to be displaying Fran Joy’s “The Power of the Female Spirit” art exhibition throughout February. Please visit Gallery 901 at Open Studio Project to experience her powerful and vibrant works of art.

ARTIST STATEMENT
The purpose behind my work is to show the power, strength, and triumph of the human spirit. As I witness the loss of life and humanity throughout the world, I am drawn to those who believe that the power of their faith and the strength of their spirit and character are what truly matters and will make a difference in their lives.

In my own spiritual journey, heavy losses have made each blessing more meaningful and relative to whom I have become. In some images I have emphasized the eyes that are windows to the soul. I’m going for their essence more than their exact look.

Some are powerful icons revealing the impact of their experiences, their fortitude and vision for the future. Other images are meant to convey a message that I hope will make one stop for at least a second to experience one’s own sense of humanity.

This exhibit is based on the power, energy, vibrations and strength of the female in a time such as this.

BIOGRAPHY
Fran Joy is an artist/designer/life coach currently living in Evanston. She has spent most of her adult life in the greater Chicago area and ten years in Los Angeles. She was featured on the cover of the August 2015 Evanston Magazine and other publications like the Evanston Review and the Chicago Tribune. Currently Fran serves on the Evanston Art Council, the Public Art Committee, and on the board of YEA, Young Evanston Artists. She has been involved in coordinating various other art installation projects around town. Fran completed an artist in residency with two exhibitions at Garrett Theological Seminary on Sheridan Road regarding themes of social justice and non-violence. She is currently working on a third residency at Garrett for women in the day of Trumpism. Fran Joy has been featured at Noyes Cultural Art Center for the “Justice for Peace” production and exhibit. Fran also participated in the traveling Chicago exhibit, “Faces Not Forgotten”, to shed light on the young victims of gun violence. She also participated several times in Evanston Made. Fran has exhibited at the new Evanston Art Center, Curt’s Café South, and Bob Danon Gallery. Most recently Fran’s social justice work was featured at the Mudlark/Art of Evolution theatre production of the powerful play, “ID”!

After studying oil painting, creative writing and drawing at Columbia College in Chicago, Fran combined her own experimentation with the impromptu training she received from independent artists whose work she admired. Joy is known for her images on social justice, iconic portraits, tribal art and large designer paneled wood screens and wall mounts. Her paintings usually begin with an acrylic base on canvas or wood followed by oil pastels, which are used with various sponges for texture and intensity.

Fran Joy’s works are in private collections in Evanston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Centralia, IL., Arizona, New Mexico, Canada and New Zealand.

Fran is a proud mom and grandmother who has a long history in marketing and telecommunications, also as a gallery director, a liberal political columnist and several years in life and spiritual coaching.

Official Website

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